Madison girls basketball upsets Poland

MADISON -- Poland's press bothered Madison's girls basketball team at the start of Tuesday's game. Coach Elaine Hogan's Blue Devils tried the same tactic and soon afterward and it helped lead to a 48-44 upset win.

Cold shooting plagued Madison (5-6, 5-8) at the start and the play of Briana Goggin, Paige Sullivan and Kara Morrison put the Tornadoes up 4-0. Taylor Best made a shot then a free throw and Shana Biedermann made a jumper off a nice pass from Ashley Russell and Madison was suddenly ahead. The teams traded points until midway in the second period. That's when Jillian Hughes' steal led to a lay-up that sparked a 12-2 run that ended the half with Madison up comfortably.

The hosts were in even better position after a 5-0 run to start the third period. Biedermann made two foul shots and Hughes followed with a three and the lead stayed in double digits until Kierston Backus sparked a valiant comeback by Poland (6-3, 7-8). Cassie Stone made a shot off a nice pass from Nikki Tubbs to put Madison up 42-32 Then Backus started to control play inside. She also hit a three - as did Sullivan - late in the game to help get Poland within three twice. Nikki Tubbs went 5-for-6 at the line to clinch it at the end.

"We needed this more than anything," Hogan said afterward. "We've had four games that we've lost by less than five points and we lost to them by 13."

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Backus led all scorers with 17 points while Hughes had 11 to pace the hosts.